Lunch

Lunch - South Carolina Style

What is this? Bar-B-Q, Hash and Rice, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw and a roll!!! Today, Carolyn came by and we went to lunch. By the way, she has a beautiful new car. Just thought I would mention that. Back to lunch - one of the best lunches in the world is the one that you see in the above picture. South Carolina is famous for its Bar-B-Q and it is one of my favorite meals. Is your mouth watering yet?

My Brother Jerry

Jerry

January 23, 1943 - February 17, 2006

The Impact of One Life

by

Roy Lessin

"When a stone is dropped into a lake, it quickly

disappears from sight - but its impact leaves

behind a series of ripples that broaden and

reach across the water. In the same way, the

impact of one life lived for Christ will leave

behind an influence for good that will reach

the lives of many others".

An Example of True Kindness

Susan with Chester, Nash, Chipper and Molly

Today was Susan's day off from teaching and she had a list of things to do. The list was as long as a grocery list. But the list wasn't groceries or chores; rather, the list contained mostly things to do for other people. Unlike many of us who cherish our free time and want to keep it for ourselves, she is happiest when she is using her free time to help other people. Her generous acts are routine to her family, friends or acquaintances. And what is so refreshing is to see the joy it brings to her. Amazing person!!!

A quote from John Grogan, author of Marley and Me: "Animal lovers are a special breed of human, generous of spirit, full of empathy, perhaps a little prone to sentimentality, and with hearts as big as a cloudless sky".

Susan's humane acts extend to the animal kingdom. Pictured above are just a few of the pets she has had over the years. Each of the cute little dogs has a story.

Chester - Chester was found on a doorstep. The lady who discovered him called the police to pick up the dog and take him to the pound. However, the policeman and his wife knew Susan and called her and needless to say, Chester had a new home.

Nash - A vet found Nash tied to a tree outside the office. It was quite evident that Nash had not come from a great home. He would shake and hide under the bed. He did not eat because he would regurgitate his food. What did he need? A loving home with Susan's appitude for bringing out the best in animals. Today, Nash doesn't have a problem eating and no longer shakes in fear or hides. In fact, he is quite social.

Chipper - A couple had bought Chipper at a pet store but was moving and would have to send Chipper to the pound. Chipper lived with Susan's mother for a while but not for long because he wouldn't leave Susan. So, Chipper had a new home.

Molly - Molly was found at the dump. She had very little hair and her teeth were very bad. Susan took the dog home and made sure Molly got immediate medical attention. The vet had to pull nine of Molly's teeth. Today, Molly's coat is healthy and she is living in a wonderful home.

All who know Susan have received a blessing.

The Influenza Epidemic of 1918

Edward P. Ray and Jane Amanda Ray

Edward died from influenza in December, 1918

Below are Some Pictures, etc of People during the 1918 Flu Epidemic

Source: National Archives at College Park, MD website

Genealogists research death records to see if family names can be found. While doing this, I found so many deaths from the Spanish Flu or just influenza in 1918. I thought that must have been a really bad flu year.

All of those deaths and the fact my great-grandfather died from influenza and complications in 1918 peaked by curiousity. Of course, I had to go on the internet and see what I could find about the flu in 1918.

I found an informative article and pictures on this website: www.archives.gov/exhibits/influenza-epidemic/ . It stated that the flu epidemic killed an estimated 50 million people in 1918. The article relates that the first phase of the epidemic came in the late spring of 1918. It was known as the "three-day fever." The first phase didn't kill many people and most recovered in a few days. When the flu came back in the fall, people got desperately sick. Some died within hours of their first symptoms and others died after a few days when their lungs filled with fluid and they suffocated to death.

Today's modern medicine and vaccines seem to make epidemics like this seem far away and a thing of the past. But we all know that with the right "bug" appearing, an epidemic like this could happen again. The thought of that happening is really scary. Let's pray that our scientists will stay a step ahead in their research - preventing and curing the flu.

One Benefit of Doing Genealogy

Betty Henson (on the right) with her sister Adeline

Betty Henson and her husband Taylor O'Kelley

I have been researching my family for several years. It wasn't easy because I had no idea who my family was past my grandparents. I found the name Betty Henson in my family lineage and spent many months trying to find out who she was. Well, let me tell you who she is - my great grandmother. As all genealogists know, that puts a spark in you and you start researching your new lead almost non-stop.

I researched and researched and found that Betty's father was Daniel Henson. From there, I found that Daniel Henson was actually Daniel Henson, Jr. and that Daniel Henson, Sr. was from VA. I found others that were doing Daniel Henson research on the internet and was able to reach some of them by e-mail. Almost everyone I contacted was glad to share their information with me. From this shared info, I discovered Daniel Henson, Sr.'s Revolutionary War Affidavit.

To make a long story short - after spending many months organizing my information, I sent in proof of my lineal descent from Daniel Henson, Sr. to the Daughters of the American Revolution and I'm honored to say that I was recently accepted for membership. Wow - that makes me happy! Who wouldn't be honored to belong to an organization whose motto is "God, Home and Country"?

"In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future".

- Alex Haley

My Royal Friends

Carolyn and Skip

(The Count and Countess)

This post is about the Count and Countess. Just Kidding - they aren't really a Count and Countess but they do look like royalty in this picture.

But I will say that they are real people. The dictionary defines real as: genuine, authenic, unfeigned or sincere. These words are just a few of the adjectives that describe them.

I have known Carolyn for many years and she has always been one of those friends that knew what I needed before I did. I have never had to tell her when I needed something because she always seems to know and just appears. Sometimes, I wonder if she has ESP.

Carolyn married Skip several years ago and what an ideal couple! They mirror each other's personality. They have both done so much for me and for so many other people. They are awesome and I am blessed to know them.

Just Remembering

A Collage I Made of Some NASCAR Legends

Me and Ricky Rudd

I noticed that the new NASCAR season starts very soon and I started thinking about the races before they went Hollywood. This was a time when we all looked forward to going to the pits after the race and wandered around in the pits until we found our favorite drivers and got our pictures taken with them and of course, their autograph.

I first started listening to races on the radio because they weren't on TV and of course, we couldn't afford to travel to the races. So, the only way to keep up on what was going on was by listening to radio. I remember my father's favorite driver was Fireball Roberts and he was mine too. It was legend that the best car to purchase the coming year was determined by the make of the car that won the most races that year. I heard - that must really be a good car! That was the days of the good ol' boys who really loved mingling with their fans and felt honored by the long autograph lines in the pits.

Now, I really can't blame the drivers today for wanting to make more money and they have brought their paychecks up by broadening their fan base. I realize that the more fans that are at the races, the less the drivers are able to spend "one on one" time with their fans. I would be the same way if I were talented enough to "run with the big boys".

Nevertheless, it doesn't hurt to remember the good ol' NASCAR days, including the racing at the dirt tracks.